Growing up as a teenager in the 1980s, the name Roger Corman held a special significance for me. I never had the chance to see his films at the local drive-ins where they thrived. I made up for it by devouring them on videocassette. Some of my fondest movie-watching memories are tied to his films. After all, what’s not to love about monster movies packed with gore and over-the-top thrills? Corman’s work often pushed boundaries, delivering the kind of cult cinema that left a lasting impression.
Shout Factory is well known for bringing long-overdue releases to collectors. This includes the Gamera films. They have re-released several of Corman’s classics under their “Roger Corman’s Cult Classics” line. I already owned these movies from their earlier 2001 New Concorde releases. However, my fandom compelled me to upgrade to Blu-ray. The first title I revisited was one of Corman’s most controversial films: Humanoids from the Deep.
Released in 1980, Humanoids from the Deep isn’t your typical creature feature. The controversy stems from its unsettling premise—monsters that not only attack but also assault women. While these moments are kept to a minimum, they contribute to the film’s lasting infamy. That said, beyond the shock factor, Humanoids from the Deep is a highly entertaining horror movie. The titular creatures are genuinely terrifying. They strike from beneath the water much like the shark in Jaws. They also demonstrate their ability to wreak havoc on land.
For a low-budget film, Humanoids from the Deep sets a high bar, a hallmark of many of Roger Corman’s productions. The right talent behind the scenes can make all the difference, and this film proves it. The creature designs are fantastic. As a monster mask collector, I’m disappointed no one has created a replica mask of them. Their attack sequences are executed with ruthless efficiency, and they certainly have a particular interest in female victims. In classic exploitation fashion, the creatures frequently tear off their victims’ swimsuits, adding to the film’s grindhouse appeal.
The movie’s pacing keeps the audience engaged. The special effects won’t be winning any Academy Awards. However, they are impressively gruesome. One standout moment features a male swimmer. He is brutally attacked while making out with his girlfriend. The resulting wounds are some of the goriest ever captured on film.
Plot-wise, the story follows a familiar monster-movie structure. A small fishing village finds itself divided over the construction of a new salmon cannery. Many townsfolk see it as a much-needed economic boost, while local Indigenous people oppose it, fearing environmental consequences. This conflict escalates when the humanoid attacks begin, leading each side to blame the other until the truth is revealed. The townspeople must put aside their differences and unite against a far greater threat.
The cast features notable names from the 1980s, including Vic Morrow, Doug McClure, Ann Turkel, and Anthony Pena. The score adds to the film’s pedigree. James Horner composed it. He later created the iconic music for Titanic, Braveheart, and Avatar. Special effects were handled by Rob Bottin, the mastermind behind The Howling and John Carpenter’s The Thing.
For fans and collectors, this Blu-ray release is a must-have, even if you own the previous version. The disc claims to feature the uncut international version, though both releases share the same 82-minute runtime. The high-definition transfer looks fantastic, considering the film’s age—don’t expect pristine clarity, but the upgrade is certainly noticeable. The bonus features are another major selling point. They include deleted scenes, trailers, TV and radio spots, and an insightful interview with Roger Corman conducted by Leonard Maltin. There’s also The Making of Humanoids from the Deep, a documentary featuring fresh interviews with key cast and crew members.
Humanoids from the Deep remains a cult horror classic. It is controversial and entertaining. The film is packed with the monstrous mayhem that defines Roger Corman’s legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Corman’s work, you will appreciate this Blu-ray release. If you’re new to his world, it is also a fantastic addition to your collection.
To read the rest of my Monstrous Movie Reviews, just click HERE! If you want to add this classic to your film library, click on the Blu-ray movie cover below.
